In a significant blow to the Conservative Party, a millionaire peer and former minister has announced his defection to Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
Former Minister Announces Shock Switch
Lord Malcolm Offord, who served as an exports minister in the last Conservative government, publicly resigned from the party on Saturday, 6 December 2025. The announcement was made at a Reform UK rally held in Falkirk.
Lord Offord, a substantial financial donor to the Conservatives, told the gathered crowd that his political allegiance had shifted. He stated his intention to leave the Tories and join Reform UK with immediate effect.
Setting Sights on Holyrood
The peer did not stop at simply changing parties. He used the platform to declare a major political ambition for the coming year. Lord Offord announced his plan to stand as a candidate for Reform UK in the election for the Scottish Parliament, scheduled for May 2026.
This move marks a direct attempt by Reform UK to gain a foothold in the devolved parliament at Holyrood, challenging both the Scottish Conservatives and other established parties.
A Blow to Post-Election Conservatives
Lord Offord's ministerial role concluded when the Conservative Party lost the July 2024 general election to Labour. His defection is seen as a notable setback for the Tories as they regroup in opposition.
The loss of a high-profile peer and donor to a rival party on the right underscores the ongoing challenges facing the Conservative leadership. It signals a potential shift in support towards Reform UK, which will be keen to capitalise on this endorsement ahead of the Scottish elections.
The coming months will reveal how this defection influences the political landscape in Scotland and the broader competition for centre-right voters across the United Kingdom.
